Once close to extinction, there is no shortage of elephant seals on the beaches of Año Nuevo State Park.

The largest Star Wars collection in the world is its own galaxy of collectibles.

Junkbots and mud babies are the masterpieces in this fantastically sci-fi art museum.

George Lucas donated this park to honor the birthplace of his two biggest movie franchises.

Nose around a unique collection of more than 300 natural aromas used to craft perfume fragrances.

A store that sells all manner of bones, insects, and animal curiosities.

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

This grinning pup statue is all that's left of what was once a ubiquitous Bay Area diner chain.

San Francisco's urban bison herd has persisted in the face of extinction, development, and disease.

The taxidermied remains of the "last wild grizzly bear in California" and of the symbol of the state of California.

Over 315,000 preserved amphibians and reptiles in jars.

There is no trying to fall in love with this Star Wars fountain, you just do or do not.

This print shop boasts one of the largest pinball arcades in San Francisco.

One of the oldest producers of hand-folded fortune cookies still uses its original secret recipe.

Its buzzing collection honors vibrator history.

A shop full of natural curiosities, carnivorous plants, and costumed taxidermied mice.

An essential stop before plundering, BYO Cutlass.

This antique shop specializes in the history of print and design.

A Natural History and Science Emporium.

This tiny store is your one-stop shop for all sorts of rare and wonderful buttons.

A graffiti Mecca welcoming artists from around the world.

The factory for the popular Dumbo location, the Greenpoint shop is a quiet gem.

The last slot car racing arcade in Brooklyn is keeping the dream of speedy little autos alive.

A museum devoted to bringing to light forgotten or neglected histories through exhibitions, education and public programming.